Community organizer, digital philosopher, & strategy consultant.

THE WORLD IS CHANGING

Here’s what I believe.

We are in the midst of an overhaul in human exchange, driven by accelerating changes in technology that have created a more interconnected, open world. That world is creating almost infinite opportunities for real relationship building with people that matter—and infinite opportunities for disaster. It's not hyperbole to say digital is changing the world. But what does that mean for you how you run your business?

The internet decentralized information. Theoretically, anyone can know anything about your company at any time. Social media democratized relationships, which means institutions are no longer their own most powerful advocates—their customers, clients, voters, shareholders, employees are. And with new technologies like blockchain, prepare for the decentralization of private and personal data.

Welcome to the Mission Economy

These changes are creating a world where radical engagement with society is a must. A credible mission is more than a set of values on paper—it’s a roadmap to change that is felt through your entire organization, from your senior leadership to your customers.

People have more access to information than ever before, and they want to feel good about the products and services they buy. Employees want to believe in the work they do. Connection with society matters. We can now create meaningful exchanges of value across the economy—the ability to build trust at scale; lifetime value measured in real social capital—that translate into real business results. Mission-driven work is now the cornerstone of competitive advantage.

Are you ready? Because it's hard work. Real relationships aren't built in real-time, they're built over time. If you want to really start building trust in today's world, time to get started.

“A credible mission is more than a set of values on paper—it’s a roadmap to change that is felt through your entire organization, from your senior leadership to your customers.”

NICE TO MEET YOU

My name is Caleb Gardner, I’m the founding partner of the consulting firm 18 Coffees, and I work at the intersection of strategy, organizational development, marketing, and technology.